The Museum of the War of 1870 and Annexation, also known as the Gravelotte Museum, is a bilingual site that provides a comprehensive understanding of the Franco-German war of 1870 and its aftermath, including the annexation of Alsace and Moselle from 1871 to 1919. The museum is an essential element for understanding this historical period. It is a property of the Moselle Departmental Council and is part of the Moselle Passion network, which, as of 2020, includes eight tourist sites in Moselle.
The museum is situated near the monuments and battlefields of August 1870, providing visitors with a direct connection to the historical events it represents. The Battle of Gravelotte, also known as the Battle of Saint-Privat, took place on August 18, 1870, during the Franco-Prussian war, about ten kilometers west of Metz. After the Treaty of Frankfurt and the annexation of Moselle to Germany, Emperor William I visited this battlefield, which he named 'the tomb of my guard', and had numerous commemorative monuments erected on the very sites of the battle.
The museum's permanent exhibition showcases its military collections, along with paintings, sculptures, and documents related to the subject, in a museum space of 900 square meters. Among the exhibits are fragments of the 'Panorama of Rezonville' by Édouard Detaille. The museum, which has been designated a 'museum of France' by law, is the only museum whose collections are exclusively dedicated to telling the story of the war of 1870 and the German annexation.
Rue de Metz 11, Gravelotte
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Museum of the War of 1870 and Annexation has 1 rating.
The Museum of the War of 1870 and Annexation in Gravelotte, France, offers visitors an informative look at a often overlooked conflict in European history. The museum provides a comprehensive overview of the Franco-Prussian War, its causes, and its consequences, including the annexation of Alsace-Lorraine by Germany.
Visitors appreciate the museum's well-organized exhibits, which feature a mix of artifacts, documents, and multimedia presentations. The displays effectively illustrate the military strategies, weaponry, and uniforms of the era. Many reviewers highlight the museum's efforts to present a balanced view of the conflict, showcasing perspectives from both French and German sides.
The museum's modern design and interactive elements receive praise for making the historical content more engaging, especially for younger visitors. The use of audiovisual aids and digital displays helps bring the 19th-century war to life.
However, some visitors note that the museum's focus might be too narrow for those without a prior interest in military history or this specific conflict. A few reviewers mention that more English translations would be helpful for international visitors, as most information is primarily in French and German.
The location of the museum, near actual battlefields, adds to its appeal, though some find it slightly out of the way. The staff is generally described as knowledgeable and helpful.
Overall, the Museum of the War of 1870 and Annexation provides a solid educational experience for those interested in European history or military conflicts, offering insights into a war that had significant impacts on the geopolitical landscape of Europe.
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